ASK THE EXPERT: Is that a polyp in your intestine?

Intestinal polyps might very well be harmless. But there’s no way of knowing without first being detected by a test or scan. Next, the polyp has to be examined by a specialist. Little wonder that few people bother about intestinal health until symptoms appear.

However, as colorectal cancer is high up in the list of cancers affecting Singaporeans (No 1 for men and No. 2 for women), we really should be paying more attention as this cancer is commonly only diagnosed at Stage III (based on the latest statistics from the Singapore Cancer Registry). Dr Jarrod Lee of gutCARE Digestive · Liver · Endoscopy Associates explains, “This is primarily because the majority of the population still do not go for colorectal cancer screening properly, and only see a doctor when they develop symptoms.”

WHO:

Dr Jarrod Lee attained specialist accreditation in Gastroenterology in 2009. As Clinical Lead in Gastroenterology and Chairman of Endoscopy, Dr Lee established the Division of Gastroenterology and the Endoscopy Centre for Khoo Teck Puat Hospital before leaving for private practice in 2013

Dr Lee is the only doctor from Southeast Asia to be internationally recognised at the prestigious Crystal Awards for endoscopic excellence. In 2011, Dr Lee won the AV Award for endoscopic technique, beating over 100 top endoscopists from 20 countries for the first prize. His advanced techniques in Endoscopic Ultrasound are featured in the Learning Library, and define the ‘gold’ standard for the world.

His interest in gastrointestinal cancer screening and prevention has led to the incorporation of advanced imaging and techniques into general endoscopy, allowing an exceptional level of diagnostic accuracy in routine cases.

Colon polyps are growths on the inner lining of the colon. The majority of polyps do not cause symptoms. Rarely, polyps may cause symptoms if they grow to a very large size or become cancerous. If so, the following symptoms may occur: blood in the stool, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation or anaemia (low red blood cells).

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